bifurcation lesion
A coronary narrowing at the junction where a vessel divides into two branches, requiring specialized stenting techniques.
Full Definition
A bifurcation lesion occurs at the point where a coronary artery divides into two branches, typically involving the main vessel and a side branch. These lesions present unique challenges for interventional cardiologists due to the complex anatomy and the risk of compromising blood flow to the side branch during treatment. Various stenting strategies exist, including provisional stenting, two-stent techniques, and dedicated bifurcation devices. The complexity of these lesions often requires careful pre-procedural planning and may influence long-term outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify which vessels are involved when describing bifurcation lesions.
In Context
- "The patient presented with a complex bifurcation lesion involving the left anterior descending artery and diagonal branch." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "A provisional stenting approach was chosen for the bifurcation lesion to minimize procedural complexity." — Interventional procedure note